<img width="177" height="250" align="left" alt="Jamal Williams celebrates after a strong defensive play." title="Jamal Williams celebrates after a strong defensive play." src="http://photos.signonsandiego.com/gallery1.5/albums/061008steelers/JM_steelersx03x260196x490.jpg" />San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Jamal Williams was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for games played the fifth week of the 2006 season (October 8-9), the NFL announced today.

Defensive tackle Jamal Williams, San Diego Chargers

Continually double-teamed by a strong Steelers offensive line, San Diego's Williams held his ground for six tackles, including 1.0 sack and a tackle behind the line of scrimmage, in a 23-13 win Sunday night against Pittsburgh.

The defensive tackle played a major role in limiting the Steelers' rushing game to 68 yards, upping the Chargers' record to 3-1 for a first-place tie in the AFC West with Denver (3-1).

San Diego now stands with the NFL's No. 1-ranked defense, allowing a meager average of 204.5 yards per game. Williams' four-yard sack came on a second-and-13 play during in the third quarter with the Chargers maintaining a 17-13 lead to help force a Pittsburgh punt. San Diego drove for a field goal on the ensuing drive to increase its lead to 20-13.

In his ninth year from Oklahoma State, this is Williams' first Player of the Week Award.